Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former base condition by sinning. Remember who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of the Kingdom of God. - Pope Leo the Great

What an awesome responsibility! Anytime I feel greatly the threat of temptation, these words of Pope Leo the Great kick me back on track, inciting me to fight the good fight in the battle against sin.

Christ came to earth, lowered Himself to a state lower than the angels, and died just for you. He came because He loves you and He wants you to share in all the amazing glory that He has prepared for you when you return to Him.

The word “pioneer” comes from the Old French peonier—the word for “foot soldier.” A foot soldier is one who paves the way, who digs out the trenches in preparation for the oncoming army to properly fight their battle. Christ is our peonier—the “pioneer of [our] salvation.” Through His death on the Cross, He has prepared the way, He has dug out the trenches, so that we are able to effectively challenge the Evil One and be successful on the path to Heaven.

But “pioneer” has another and deeper meaning. (The original Latin and Greek give a better sense of this deeper meaning.) A "pioneer" is the author of the plan. Christ is the author of our salvation. He has written and paved the path for us to follow.

Christ is the source and summit of our salvation! Thank Him for this awesome gift!

When He has given so much to us that we may be co-heirs of eternal life, how can we not respond? How is God calling you today to fight the good fight?

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Laurel Muff is a creator and appreciator of beautiful things. She resides with her husband and daughters in Northern California. You can find more about her here.